Deputy Principal 

The Privilege of Being a Coach

As another hockey season draws to a close and I reflect on another six months of training and matches, I consider just how fortunate I am. I have coached hockey at the College for 32 years now and have been incredibly fortunate to have won a number of premierships—but I have been even more fortunate to learn from the parents and players I have worked with.

Coaching a sporting team is a privilege and a responsibility I don't take lightly. So many of life's lessons can be learned on a sporting field: fairness, sportsmanship, resilience, perseverance, how to work with others, and how to accept advice.

Over the years, I have coached twins and triplets, siblings who fought non-stop on the field, and players who were far beyond anything I could offer and who have gone on to play at the highest level. I have coached and played alongside friends and colleagues, as well as players who were just beginning but were so grateful to be given a chance. I have witnessed incredible acts of sportsmanship and moments of pure joy, as well as the lowest of lows.

The diversity of experiences has been remarkable. Each season brings new challenges and rewards, whether it's watching a tentative beginner find their confidence, seeing natural talent flourish under guidance, or observing the powerful bonds that form between teammates who learn to support each other through both victories and defeats.

What strikes me most is how the hockey field becomes a classroom for character development. Young people learn to handle pressure, celebrate others' successes, bounce back from disappointment, and understand that individual effort contributes to team success. These are lessons that extend far beyond sport and into every aspect of their future lives.

I wanted to take a moment to thank every parent and staff member for the sacrifice of time they make to provide these amazing opportunities to our children. The College is unique in this way, and I know I will always look back at my time on and beside the hockey field as some of the fondest memories of my years at our College.

To all the families who have trusted us with their children's sporting journey—thank you for allowing us to be part of something so special. 

RU OK DAY – Thursday September 11 

https://hamiltoncollege.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day